Chennai: In a significant victory for the residents of Royapettah, their plea to halt the demolition of the Amman temple has received support from the Madras High Court. The court has issued a stay order on any construction or demolition work by the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) that could impact the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple and the Sri Durgai Amman Temple situated on Whites Road.
The decision, announced on July 23, 2024, brings relief to the devotees who were deeply concerned about the proposed demolition of the temple’s tower as part of the Metro Phase II project. This stay order signifies a major triumph for the devotees and a significant setback for the Metro Rail authorities.
Temple activist TR Ramesh, in a recent interview, expressed his views on the matter. He observed that the Metro Rail Authorities seemed to disproportionately target Hindu temples and their properties for their projects, while places of worship belonging to minorities or their land remained largely untouched. Ramesh highlighted the disparity in treatment, pointing out that when land is acquired as a last resort, heavy compensation or alternative land is provided for projects involving minority places of worship. However, Hindu temples do not receive the same consideration. He cited the example of the proposed demolition of the Sundra Varadaraja Perumal Temple and Kaaliamman Temple in Virugambakkam, where protests and legal battles led to a change in plans. The authorities modified the route of the construction, ensuring no damage would be inflicted on the existing structures.
The residents of Royapettah have vehemently opposed the plan to demolish the temple tower on Whites Road for the Chennai Metro Phase II work. They have eagerly awaited the Madras High Court’s final decision on the matter. In a previous hearing, the court had advised the CMRL and the HR and CE department to explore the possibility of relocating the gopuram (tower) of the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple using advanced technology. This suggestion aimed to find alternative solutions that would preserve the temple’s heritage.
The Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, which dates back over 250 years, has become the center of a contentious dispute. At the heart of the matter is the five-tier Raja Gopuram, a magnificent architectural marvel that has graced the temple for approximately 30-40 years. The Aalayam Kappom Foundation, recognizing the temple’s cultural and historical value, has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the esteemed Madras High Court.
Devotees passionately argue against the demolition, emphasizing that the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple, also known as the Sri Durgai Amman Temple, is the sole Durga Temple in Chennai that faces north. Each week, on Fridays and Tuesdays, a multitude of worshippers, predominantly women, flock to the temple to offer their prayers. During the auspicious month of Aadi (Ashada), both men and women participate in special poojas and organize vibrant festivals. The distribution of Ragi gruel (porridge) among devotees, along with intricate floral decorations and a captivating procession of the goddess, highlight the spiritual significance of this time. Additionally, September marks the grand celebration of Vinayagara Charuthurthi, observed with great religious fervor.
As residents and devotees united in their cause, the controversy surrounding the Sri Rathina Vinayagar Temple gained momentum. The Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) faced strong opposition for their intentions to dismantle the five-tier Raja Gopuram, a structure that has stood tall for several decades. The residents adamantly argue that such an action would result in an irreparable loss to the city’s cultural heritage.
The Madras High Court intervened in response to the concerns raised, urging the CMRL and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) department to explore alternative solutions. Advanced technology was proposed as a means to potentially relocate the gopuram, preserving its splendour. However, doubts were expressed by a CMRL official regarding the feasibility of this proposition.
Temple activist TR Ramesh took to social media on July 23, 2024, to announce that the Hon’ble 1st Bench of the Madras High Court had issued a stay order, effectively halting any construction or demolition activities by the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) in and around the ancient temples.
Good (interim) news!
Hon'ble 1st Bench of Madras High Court stays any construction or demolition work by Chennai Metro Rail in and adjacent to the ancient temples of Sri Durgai Amman, Whites road and Sri Rathina Vinayagar – ancient temples that are found mentioned in… pic.twitter.com/luCuyimrrB
— trramesh (@trramesh) July 23, 2024
Advocate Muthuraj Ramamoorthi represented the Aalayam Kappom Foundation, a temple protection forum, in this legal battle. Ramesh emphasized the cultural significance of these temples, highlighting their historical records dating back to the British India era, spanning over a century.
This decision serves as a victory for the temple protection forum and the devoted followers, while also serving as a warning to authorities who single out Hindu Temples for their projects, assuming they will face minimal opposition.
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